Erik Tolvstad

Holmen, Wis.

Inventory Manager
at Cashton Distribution Center
and CROPP Headquarters in La Farge

Why did you decide to come to work at CROPP? 
During my initial interviews, I was given an interesting challenge that would test my abilities.  I liked that idea.

How long have you been with CROPP? 
Since May 2002

Why do you like working at CROPP? 
Several things:  We have a great mission—I feel proud to work here.  I have outstanding co-workers.  I have challenging and interesting projects to work on.

What has been the best experience or day you’ve had at CROPP thus far?   
Unfortunately, it starts with a horrible personal experience.  Last year we found out that my wife had a very aggressive form of cancer, which claimed her life in July.  Because of her extensive medical treatment, I was out of the office for significant parts of the year.  We also have three grade school age kids at home.   From my managers through to my co-workers, CROPP has been absolutely amazing in their complete support of me and my family, when we most needed it.  There is an enormous current of compassion and basic human decency within this co-op that I've not seen elsewhere.   

What’s your favorite perk/benefit?  
Schedule flexibility—I'm a single parent with kids!

What’s your favorite Organic Valley or Organic Prairie product? 
Omega3 Eggs 

Describe your typical workday at CROPP:   
I'm the manager of the Inventory group, so I split my time working between the Inventory staff and other departments on process related questions.  We have grown so fast, for so long, that change is a constant for us. 

Describe your commute: 
I live about 35 miles away from Cashton & 55 miles away from La Farge.  I start my trip on I-90, but soon I'm off on country highways.  Depending on the time of the year, I frequently see deer, wild turkeys, hawks, woodchucks, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, and the occasional coyote or fox.  Once I had to stop my car and wait for several Peacocks (I'm not kidding) to clear the road.   My commute beats the heck out of the freeway-crawls that I endured when we lived and worked in Minneapolis for several years.

What other types of jobs have you held?  
I worked for Heileman Brewing Co as a Merchandising clerk, for Great River Systems (a small computer company) as a combination of Customer Service-Shipping & Receiving-Bill Collector, for General Electric as a Demand Planner, and Medtronic as a Sales Analyst.

What are your other interests or hobbies? 
Reading, Hiking, Biking, Canoeing, gardening, and embarrassing my kids.....